Testing for Acids and Bases Lab

In the lab “Testing for Acids and Bases”, we used 5 different chemical indicators, (phenolphalein, bromthymol blue, methyl orange, blue litmus paper, and red litmus paper) and we added different solutions to them such as vinegar, aspirin, and ammonia, to see how they would react and change colours. We then had to use the pH Scale and look at the information we gathered to identify the solution as acidic, basic, or neutral.

This lab is very important because you can use this skill all through science in school and in your everyday life. It’s good to know what substances are acidic, basic, or neutral.

I learned that litmus paper can sometimes take a little while to change colour, depending on the solution you added to it. Also, some of the solutions that we used, I wouldn’t expect them to be what they are. For example, I would’ve never thought that oven cleaner is a base and that Alka – Seltzer is a neutral solution.